List of Websites Blocked in IndiaInternet Censorship in India
List of Websites Blocked in India: According to Software Freedom Law Centre; India blocked 55,607 websites in seven years (2015-2023). Of these blocked URLs, around 26,474, or 48 % were blocked under the Information Technology Act. Another 47 % of the total URLs were blocked for copyright infringement. The remaining 5 % were blocked for different charges including obscenity, pornography, and child sexual abuse.
In this article, we are going to discuss the Websites Blocked in India in detail with Internet censorship in India.
Table of Content
- List of Websites Blocked in India
- List of Mobile Apps Blocked in India
- Communication Apps Banned in India
- Why are these Websites blocked in India?
List of Websites Blocked in India
In India, the government does not share a list of websites they have blocked. They have banned many websites over the years due to national security concerns. Sometimes they block the websites with the help of internet providers or as ordered by courts.
Category | Some Examples |
---|---|
Used for bypassing blocked content | VPNbook Psiphon Tor Browser TunnelBear Hotspot Shield |
Pornography, nudity and vice | Pornhub Xvideos RedTube YouPorn Brazzers |
Impersonation, fraud and phishing | Phishing.org Fraud.org Scamadviser.com 419Eater.com Darknetlive.com |
Insult, slander and defamation | 4chan Reddit (specific threads or users) Twitter (specific accounts) Facebook (specific groups or pages) Quora (specific answers or users) |
Invasion of privacy | Spokeo PeekYou BeenVerified TruthFinder Intelius |
Offences against the India and public order | Certain Reddit threads Blogs advocating violence Websites supporting separatist movements Hate speech forums Platforms inciting riots |
Supporting criminal acts and skills | Dark web marketplaces Hacking forums Tutorials on bomb-making Platforms facilitating drug trade Sites offering hitman services |
Drugs | Silk Road (or its successors) DeepDotWeb Cannabis forums Online pharmacies without proper certification Websites selling illegal substances |
Medical and pharmaceutical practices that violate the law | RxMedsDirect.in CheapMedsWithoutPrescription.com MiracleCureIndia.com TestYourMeds.in CancerTreatmentGuaranteed.co.in |
Infringement of intellectual property rights | The Pirate Bay KickassTorrents Torrentz RARBG LimeTorrents |
Discrimination, racism and contempt of religion | Stormfront Gab Islamophobic websites |
Viruses and malicious programmes | WannaCry Ryuk GandCrab Emotet Zeus TrickBot |
Promotion of or trading in prohibited commodities and services | Silk Road (or its successors) Dark web marketplaces Websites selling counterfeit goods Platforms trading in endangered species Sites offering illegal weapons for sale |
Illegal communication services | WhatsApp (specific numbers/accounts related to illegal activities) Telegram (specific channels/groups promoting illegal content) Signal (specific groups engaged in illegal activities) Certain VoIP services bypassing regulations Websites offering illegal hacking services |
Gambling | Bet365 PokerStars 888poker Betfair William Hill |
Terrorism or Intimidation | ISIS-affiliated websites Al-Qaeda forums Platforms promoting extremist ideologies Sites with instructions for carrying out terrorist acts Websites advocating violence against specific groups |
Illegal activities | Dark web marketplaces Forums facilitating identity theft Platforms offering stolen goods Websites distributing child pornography Sites promoting human trafficking The Pirate Bay or KickassTorrents Putlocker or 123movies |
List of Mobile Apps Blocked in India
As the data is not available we have added the data of mobile apps which are banned in India as mentioned below:
List of Applications Blocked in India – Date of Ban 02/09/2020 |
|
---|---|
Name | Application Origin |
PUBG Mobile | Unknown |
APUS Launcher Pro – Theme, Live Wallpapers, Smart | China |
APUS Launcher – Theme, Call Show, Wallpaper, Hide Apps | China |
APUS Security – Antivirus, Phone security, Cleaner | China |
APUS Turbo Cleaner 2020 – Junk Cleaner, Anti-Virus | China |
APUS Flashlight – Free & Bright | China |
Cut Cut – Cut Out & Photo Background Editor | China |
Baidu | China |
Baidu Express Edition | China |
FaceU – Inspire your Beauty | China |
ShareSave by Xiaomi: Latest gadgets, amazing deals | China |
CamCard – Business Card Reader | China |
CamCard Business | China |
CamCard for Salesforce | China |
CamOCR | China |
InNote | China |
VooV Meeting – Tencent Video Conferencing | China |
Super Clean – Master of Cleaner, Phone Booster | China |
WeChat reading | China |
Government WeChat | China |
Small Q brush | China |
Tencent Weiyun | China |
Pitu | China |
WeChat Work | China |
Cyber Hunter | China |
Cyber Hunter Lite | China |
Knives Out – No rules, just fight! | China |
Super Mecha Champions | China |
LifeAfter | China |
Dawn of Isles | China |
Ludo World – Ludo Superstar | China |
Chess Rush | China |
PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik | Unknown |
PUBG MOBILE LITE | Unknown |
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade | Unknown |
Art of Conquest: Dark Horizon | Unknown |
Dank Tanks | Unknown |
Warpath | Unknown |
Game of Sultans | Unknown |
Gallery Vault – Hide Pictures And Videos | Unknown |
Smart AppLock (App Protect) | Unknown |
Message Lock (SMS Lock)-Gallery Vault Developer Team | Unknown |
Hide App – Hide Application Icon | Unknown |
AppLock | Unknown |
AppLock Lite | Unknown |
Dual Space – Multiple Accounts & App Cloner | Unknown |
ZAKZAK Pro – Live chat & video chat online | China |
ZAKZAK LIVE: live-streaming & video chat app | China |
Music – Mp3 Player | Unknown |
Music Player – Audio Player & 10 Bands Equalizer | Unknown |
HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera | Unknown |
Cleaner – Phone Booster | Unknown |
Web Browser & Fast Explorer | Unknown |
Video Player All Format for Android | Unknown |
Photo Gallery HD & Editor | Unknown |
Photo Gallery & Album | Unknown |
Music Player – Bass Booster – Free Download | Unknown |
HD Camera – Beauty Cam with Filters & Panorama | Unknown |
HD Camera Pro & Selfie Camera | Unknown |
Music Player – MP3 Player & 10 Bands Equalizer | Unknown |
Gallery HD | Unknown |
Web Browser – Fast, Privacy & Light Web Explorer | Unknown |
Web Browser – Secure Explorer | Unknown |
Music player – Audio Player | Unknown |
Video Player – All Format HD Video Player | Unknown |
Lamour Love All Over The World | China |
Amour- video chat & call all over the world | China |
MV Master – Make Your Status Video & Community | China |
MV Master – Best Video Maker & Photo Video Editor | China |
APUS Message Center-Intelligent management | China |
LivU Meet new people & Video chat with strangers | China |
Carrom Friends : Carrom Board & Pool Game | Unknown |
Ludo All Star- Play Online Ludo Game & Board Games | Unknown |
Bike Racing : Moto Traffic Rider Bike Racing Games | Unknown |
Rangers Of Oblivion : Online Action MMO RPG Game | Unknown |
Z Camera – Photo Editor, Beauty Selfie, Collage | Unknown |
GO SMS Pro – Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji | Unknown |
U-Dictionary: Oxford Dictionary Free Now Translate | Unknown |
Ulike – Define your selfie in trendy style | Unknown |
Tantan – Date For Real | Unknown |
MICO Chat: New Friends Banaen aur Live Chat karen | Unknown |
Kitty Live – Live Streaming & Video Live Chat | Unknown |
Malay Social Dating App to Date & Meet Singles | Unknown |
Alipay | China |
AlipayHK | China |
Mobile Taobao | China |
Youku | China |
Road of Kings- Endless Glory | Unknown |
Sina News | China |
Netease News | China |
Penguin FM | Unknown |
Murderous Pursuits | Unknown |
Tencent Watchlist (Tencent Technology) | China |
Learn Chinese AI-Super Chinese | China |
HUYA LIVE – Game Live Stream | China |
Little Q Album | China |
Fighting Landlords – Free and happy Fighting Landlords | China |
Hi Meitu | China |
Mobile Legends: Pocket | Unknown |
VPN for TikTok | Unknown |
Penguin E-sports Live assistant | Unknown |
Buy Cars-offer everything you need, special offers and low prices | China |
iPick | Unknown |
Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera & Face Selfie | Unknown |
Parallel Space Lite – Dual App | Unknown |
Chief Almighty: First Thunder BC | Unknown |
Marvel Super War | Unknown |
AFK Arena | Unknown |
Creative Destruction | Unknown |
Crusaders of Light | Unknown |
Mafia City | Unknown |
Onmyoji | Unknown |
Ride Out Heroes | Unknown |
Yimeng Jianghu-Chu Liuxiang has been fully upgraded | China |
Legend: Rising Empire | Unknown |
Arena of Valor | Unknown |
Soul Hunters | Unknown |
Rules of Survival | Unknown |
Communication Apps Banned in India
In May 2023, 14 communication apps were banned because they were believed to be used by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Wickrme
- Mediafire
- Briar
- BChat
- Nandbox
- Conion
- IMO
- Element
- Second line
- Zangi
- Threema
- Crypviser
- Enigma
- Safeswiss
Internet Censorship in India
The government in India blocks certain websites to control what people can see online. They use methods like filtering internet addresses and teaching people how to use the internet properly. Sometimes, websites are removed because content creators ask or because of court orders. There was talk about starting a big project to watch over the internet, similar to what China does.
- In 2000, India made a law called the Information Technology Act to manage the internet, making it illegal to post offensive things.
- Changes to this law in 2008 gave the government more power to block websites and punish people for sending mean messages.
- Internet companies might have to block websites if the government says it’s for national security.
- In 2001, a special group was made to handle problems like online crimes and inappropriate websites.
- Another group called CERT-IN was created in 2003 to make sure the internet in India is safe.
- If CERT-IN says a website should be blocked, all the internet companies in India have to do it.
- Every few weeks, leaders from social media companies meet up to talk about taking down posts that might be a threat to India.
- Under the Modi government, these meetings have become longer and more important.
Also Read:
- The Internet and the Web
- Internet censorship [en.wikipedia.org]
Why are these Websites blocked in India?
Here is the government agenda to block the websites and applications as mentioned below.
- The government wants to control what people can see online to keep society peaceful and stop false information or harmful material.
- Blocking some websites is important to protect the country from dangerous information, like terrorist messages or things that might cause violence.
- They block websites with bad or sexual content to keep society’s morals safe, especially for kids.
- Websites might be blocked to follow the country’s rules, like the Information Technology Act, which tells how the internet can be used in India.
- They block websites used for crimes like stealing information, hacking, or sharing illegal files, to keep people safe online.
- Sometimes, websites are blocked because a court says so, maybe for stealing ideas, saying bad things about people, or breaking other rules.
- Websites promoting extreme ideas or violence are blocked to prevent people from getting radicalized and causing problems.
- The government tells internet companies to block certain websites, making sure they follow the rules and don’t let harmful content spread.
Summary – List of Websites Blocked in India
India’s approach to managing the online space involves blocking access to a wide range of websites, from those promoting harmful activities like terrorism and piracy to those involved in fraud, spreading hate speech, or distributing malware. With over 55,607 websites blocked between 2015 and 2023 for various reasons, the government’s efforts aim to protect national security, uphold public order, and ensure a safe digital environment for its citizens. Methods used include direct orders to internet service providers, legal actions, and the use of technology to filter out unwanted content. This comprehensive strategy reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a secure and respectful online sphere, while also raising questions about internet freedom and access to information.
FAQs on List of Websites Blocked in India
What happens if you visit a banned site in India?
No, visiting banned sites in India is not illegal in itself. The Information Technology Act, 2000, which is the main law governing the internet in India, does not specifically prohibit visiting banned sites.
What websites are usually blocked?
Schools and universities often block social media websites like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They also block adult content websites and specific websites with inappropriate content.
What is the most banned website?
YouTube is the most blocked website.
How do I watch banned sites?
VPNs are the best and easiest option for unblocking websites — there are plenty of Android VPN and iPhone VPN apps to choose from. If you have an Android, you can also try a third-party browser like Onion, which uses the Tor network.
Is it bad to go on illegal websites?
Illegal streaming or downloading are extremely risky activities, which can leave you and your family at the mercy of malware, viruses, ransomware, scams and fraud.
How many sites are blocked in India?
In 2022, the Indian government blocked more than 3.7 thousand websites across India under Section 69A of the IT Act. The overall number of websites blocked in India between 2015 and 2022 grossed over 55 thousand.